I started teaching the workshop approach this year. I have read numerous teacher resource books about this teaching method.

During my reading block, I teach a short mini lesson at the beginning. I give students time to read independently and record information on sticky notes and in their reading journal. During this time I have been conferencing with students one-on-one. I have learned sooo much about my students during these conferences. At the end of reader's workshop, there is time for a few students to share what they are reading. My writer's workshop has a similar structure.

I took many ideas off of Beth Newingham and Angela Bunyi's websites on Top Teaching through Scholastic. I love this new approach to teaching much more than teaching to the textbook. My students are more motivated than ever about reading and writing.

However, I do feel like I'm just picking and choosing mini lessons to teach. I'm trying to develop a more structured plan for the year. Does anyone have a good scope and sequence map for fourth grade on reading and writing through the workshop method?

I'm attaching a conferencing form that I use. Students pick a focus for the quarter ~ comprehension, accuracy, fluency, or vocabulary. Then, when I conference with them, I simply ask them questions that will help them reveal the depth of their skills in that focus area. If they are weak, we discuss how to correct this. By the end of the year, all focus areas would be covered and (hopefully) they will have mastered these. I love the structure and sense of purpose that this supports ~ maybe you would too. Also, we use the workbook offered at the link below. It's an excellent book! I don't know if you can get this book ~ but, if nothing else, go to this website and click on the appropriate pdf for your grade level (in the Sample Pages column near the bottom of the page). This will take you to the table of contents. That might give you some ideas for curriculum. I really haven't found anything that they didn't cover! (It's worth the money if you have it!)